Watched the Rockies spank the Cards today. Saw our old "friend" Kaz Matsui. Got me to thinking all the way back to 2004 when the Mets signed the "next big thing" from Japan. Looking back, let's take at look at the selling points of Mr. Matsui.

Selling Point A: Durability

Kaz played in a string of consecutive games in Japan. (I don't know how many in a row. I am too lazy to do the research.) But he brought comparisons of Cal Ripken's "Iron Man" durability to the states with him.

Return on Investment? NO. Matsui had a string of injuries starting with back spasms in August of 2004. He went on to hit the 15-day Rolen a number of times, including this year with the Rockies, again with back spasms.

Selling Point B: Defense

Matsui was billed as a solid defensive short stop in Japan. He was a 7 time all-star, and won the Japanese version of the "Gold Glove" a number of times.

Return on Investment? NO. In 2004, Matsui's first year, he committed a league leading (for shortstops) 23 errors, and another 1 at 2nd base where he started 3 other games.

In 2005, when not on the DL, again, he committed 9 errors in 64 starts at 2nd base, missing most of the year to nagging injuries.

Selling Point C: Speed

The next great leadoff man from Japan, in the same mold as Ichiro. Can steal bases, bunt for hits, and generate runs with his legs.

Return on Investment? NO. In his rookie year, Matsui stole 14 bases in 114 games. Putting him on pace, for a full 162 game season, of 20. 20? Turns out, 14 would be his career high to date as he stole all of 6 bases in 87 games, for a pace of just under 16 for a full year.

Selling Point D: Offense

A .300+ hitter in Japan, it is widely known that, unless your Ichiro, it rarely translates to hitting .300 against MLB pitching. .280-.290 was expected with about 35-42 doubles and 10+ triples.

Return on Investment? NO. Again, back to 2004, his best year, his offensive numbers weren't horrible. .272 avg. 32 doubles (114 games, not bad) and 2 triples. 7 homers (including his famous first at-bat of his career against John Smoltz of the Braves) and 44 RBI. Taken out over a full season, it's not that bad.

After 2.5 unproductive, injury riddled, error filled, years, and being booed with the gusto usually reserved for the Roger Cedeno's and Bobby Bonilla's of the world, the Mets pulled the plug in '06 and traded him and $4 million to the Rockies for backup to the backup catcher, Eli Morerro, ending an expensive experiment.

Looking back, it's hard to be mad at how things worked out. The Matsui era brought an end to the almost unbearable Art "We Battled Out There" Howe era. Also ending was Jim Duquette's reign as GM and brought forth the Omar Minaya and Willie Randolph era. Pretty decent trade off if you ask the Lone Met Fan.